Interactive toothbrush and removable audio output module

ABSTRACT

An apparatus may include a connection component configured to connect the apparatus to any one of a plurality of different apparatuses. A toothbrush may include at least one measurement component configured to measure a parameter of use of an oral care region, and a processor configured to change output of a first audio signal of a plurality of audio signals to a second audio signal of the plurality of audio signals based on the measured parameter. Another toothbrush may include a processor configured to receive first data from an external source component and output second data corresponding to the received first data to at least one output device in response, and the at least output device configured to output the second data from the processor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/991,624, filed Jan. 28, 2011 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,132),which is a National Stage Entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2008/062864, filed May 7, 2008, (nowexpired). The contents of the above-noted applications are eachexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to consumer products, includingtoothbrushes, and more particularly to a removable audio output modulethat can record and/or play music or other audio signals for use withvarious consumer products.

A small percentage of the population brushes their teeth for thedentist-recommended time of two minutes. This can be especially true ofyounger children and teenagers, who view tooth brushing as a mundaneduty with few pleasurable aspects.

In addition, healthy cleaning habits should extend beyond teethcleaning. Recursive tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning a house,shampooing, and shaving, may be rushed and/or even neglected sincelittle to no pleasure is often associated with them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention enable a person to know when he/she has brushedhis/her teeth for a period of time while enjoying an audio interlude.

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a connection component configuredto connect the apparatus to any one of a plurality of differentapparatuses.

In another aspect, a toothbrush includes at least one measurementcomponent configured to measure a parameter of use of an oral careregion of the toothbrush, and a processor configured to change theoutput of a first audio signal of a plurality of audio signals to asecond audio signal of the plurality of audio signals based on themeasured parameter.

In another aspect, a toothbrush includes a processor configured toreceive first data from an external source and to output second datacorresponding to the received first data to at least one output device;the at least output device is configured to output the second data fromthe processor.

A variety of different audio output module and toothbrush configurationsare discussed herein, each creating an enjoyable environment duringtooth brushing. These configurations advantageously provide improvedoral hygiene for children and teenagers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of a toothbrush assembly inaccordance with at least one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the surface of the toothbrush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example of an audio output module inaccordance with at least one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a connection arrangement of an audiooutput module of FIG. 3 and a signal source.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example of attachments for the audiooutput module of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an example of a toothbrush in accordance withat least one aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B are side views of a connection arrangement of a toothbrushand a signal source.

FIG. 8 is an example functional block diagram of components of an audiooutput module in accordance with at least one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for transferring musicor audio from a signal source to an audio output module.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for changing a mode ofoperation of a toothbrush in accordance with at least one aspect of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is not intended to be understood in alimiting sense, but to be examples of the disclosure presented solelyfor illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection withthe following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled inthe art may be advised of the advantages and construction of thedisclosure. In the various views of the drawings, like referencecharacters designate like or similar parts.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a toothbrush assembly 100 that may include a powertoothbrush 120 having a body 125, a removable audio output module 140that forms a portion of the handle 126, and an operation user interface,such as a button 128. The toothbrush 120 further includes a head 124 ororal care region having tooth cleaning elements 127. Head 124 may bereplaceable, or it may be permanently attached to handle 126. As usedherein, the term “tooth cleaning elements” or “cleaning elements” mayinclude any type of structure that is commonly used or is suitable foruse in providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, toothpolishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulating, etc.) by makingcontact with portions of the teeth and gums. Such tooth cleaningelements may include but are not limited to tufts of bristles that canbe formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes and elastomericcleaning members that can be formed to have a number of different shapesand sizes, or a combination of both tufts of bristles and elastomericcleaning members.

The toothbrush 120 may be a powered toothbrush including a power sourcethat drives a powered element, such as movable cleaning elements 127.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the removable audio output module 140 includesan input 144 for connecting to an audio device 460 and a digital memorydevice (not shown) for storing audio signals received via input 144 indigital form. Input 144 can take a variety of forms. For example, in onearrangement, input 144 may be a standard headphone jack (i.e., 2.5 mm).In another example, input 144 may comprise a USB connection. As shown inFIGS. 3-4, input 144 may be rotated or pivoted by a user into a verticalor receiving position, as shown in FIG. 4. In the vertical position, theinput 144 may receive an audio signal provided from external audiodevice 460 so that audio signals are stored in memory in the audiooutput module 140.

Referring to FIG. 2, the removable audio output module 140 may includean output 148 in the form of a speaker positioned on the underside 149of the module 140 for audibly transmitting the digitally stored audiosignals to the user's ambient surroundings. In one example construction,the speaker may be of sealed construction for water resistance.

In one construction, the output 148 can be located at other parts of theaudio output module 140. For example, speaker 148 may be configured on asidewall of audio output module 140. In such a configuration, if thetoothbrush 100 is upright so that underside 149 is against a basesurface, such as a bathroom counter, music or other audio output stillmay be heard without a muffled sound as the audio signal hits the basesurface. Still other constructions allow for multiple speakers 148and/or a speaker system that may include components to output sound inmultiple directions. In yet other constructions, toothbrush assembly 100may include a speaker 190 within the handle 126. Speaker 190 may beconfigured to output audio signals stored within removable audio outputmodule 140 when connected to internal components of toothbrush 120.

A microphone 194 may be included within the toothbrush assembly 100and/or other components described herein, such as the removable audiooutput module 140. Microphone 194 may be configured to enable a user toinput audio speech or sounds. In one example configuration using outputmodule 140, microphone 194 may receive an audio signal of a user, suchas a human voice and the received audio signal may be inputted into theremovable audio output module 140. Input 144 of the removable audiooutput module 140 may be configured to connect to an internal contactwithin the handle 126 of toothbrush 100. When the microphone 194receives an audio signal, the audio signal may be transferred throughinput 144 and stored within a digital memory of the removable audiooutput module 140.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure,toothbrush assembly 100 may be configured to operate as an accessory toa mobile terminal, such as a cellular telephone and/or a personaldigital assistant. Today, many individuals use wireless earpieces withtheir cellular telephones in order to talk and hear a conversationthrough their cellular telephone “hands-free.” In addition, manyindividuals may work in an industry where business occurs while theysleep. Upon waking up and getting ready in the morning, an individual,in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, mayutilize toothbrush 120 to make a telephone call, e.g., in order toretrieve voicemail messages.

Toothbrush 120 may include components to receive wireless communicationsfrom an external telephone, such as via BLUETOOTH® technology, andoutput audio through a speaker, such as side speaker 190 and receiveaudio from the user through a microphone, such as microphone 194. Assuch, a user can brush her teeth with toothbrush 100 while checkingvoicemail messages and/or interacting with another individual via anexternal cellular telephone. In yet another construction, toothbrush 120may be a ZIGBEE complaint device. ZIGBEE pertains to an industryspecification for a suite of communication protocols using small,low-power digital radio based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wirelesspersonal area networks, which is incorporated by reference herein. Theradio-controlled configuration may include a transmitter and receiveroperating at 2.4 GHz, but other frequencies may be implemented indifferent geographic regions. The data transfer rates can be 250 Kbs,but other data rates slightly lower or higher could be used. Variouscommercially available ZIGBEE complaint modules could be implemented.Other known wireless transmission protocols or wireless mediumarrangements also can be employed. In another construction, toothbrush120 may be configured to receive voice commands through microphone 194to dial a specific number, such as a contact person or voicemail number,on an external cellular phone in communication with the toothbrush 120via a wireless communication.

The audio output module 140 may further include a record button (notshown) for recording audio signals to a memory in the audio outputmodule 140, and a play button 170 for playing the recorded audiosignals. In at least one example configuration, the record functionalityand the play functionality may be provided within a single button, suchas button 170. In operation, the play feature may incorporate a timedplayback aspect as described herein. An electrical power source, such asa battery or the like, may be provided in the audio output module 140 ortoothbrush 120 for operation of the record and playback features as wellas any powered element in the toothbrush 120. As an example of a poweredelement, a vibration generator 122 may be located in the neck 123 togenerate vibrations in the head 124. The generator 122 can be powered bythe power source.

Alternatively, the audio output module 140 and/or toothbrush 120 maymechanically connect into an outlet using a supplied cable connection(not shown). Other control configurations may be used. In accordancewith at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the audio outputmodule 140 of toothbrush 120 may be configured so that the functionsassociated with the record button and the play button 170 may beoperational as a single button. In such a configuration, audio outputmodule 140 may determine whether the input 144 is connected to a signalsource 460, in order to receive audio signal(s) when the single buttonis activated, or whether the input 144 is connected to toothbrush 120 orconnected to nothing at all, in order to play the audio signal(s) whenthe single button is activated. Although shown as a push button typeinput, button 128, the record button, and/or play button 170 may be anyof a number of other types of input mechanisms or devices.

A user may connect toothbrush 120 to a signal source 460 (here shown asan digital media player for example in FIG. 4) and activate the signaltransfer from the source 460 to a memory using a play button on thesignal source (not shown) and a record button on the audio output module140. The record button may be depressed or engaged once to record acertain period of music, such as three minutes for example, or it may bedepressed or engaged for a period of time equal to the duration of musictransferred.

The user then activates a timed playback of the stored music through thespeaker 148 by pressing play button 170 to play music for, for example,two minutes upon pressing and holding button 170 for two seconds, orthree minutes upon pressing and holding button 170 for three seconds.Other durations may be set, which can correlate with a time period otherthan two or three minutes, or it can designate a specific number ofsongs. Alternatively, toothbrush 120 may be configured so that a usermay simply press the play button 170 if a timed playback is not desired.Nevertheless, while any type of musical or non-musical audio signals maybe stored in the memory, the toothbrush 120 advantageously enables theuser to play audio signals pleasurable to him or her. In this way, theuser can have an enjoyable brushing experience and will likely brush hisor her teeth for the entire playback duration.

Any audio content may be used. In various scenarios of use, for childrenand teens, the audio signals may comprise audio digital webcasts,musical segments from a radio, satellite audio device, computer network(e.g., Internet), or the user's audio collection and the like. In onescenario, for adults, the audio signals may comprise information-basednews summaries or stock reports for example that are automaticallydownloaded from an on-line source such as a computer connected to theInternet or a local area network. The various functions of thetoothbrush enhance the brushing experience and enable longer durationbrushing for improved oral hygiene. An audio and/or video signal, can bestored in a digital memory of the toothbrush assembly 100, as long asthe toothbrush assembly 100 includes an appropriate output to presentthe respective signal to a user. In one aspect, toothbrush assembly 100also may include a display screen 192 to display video signals, e.g.,music videos, stored in the audio output module 140.

Removable audio output module 140 and/or toothbrush 120 may include anyof a number of different components to allow for various uses. Forexample, different removable audio output modules 140 may be utilized toallow for playing music or other audio from an AM or FM transmission.Components within toothbrush 120 may allow a user to tune to a specificfrequency, such as an AM talk news radio station to listen while shebrushes her teeth. Similarly, a removable audio output module may beconfigured to allow a user to output an FM country radio station tolisten to music while she brushes her teeth. Different audio outputmodules 140 may be configured for different outputs.

Various types of operations may be utilized within the audio outputmodule 140 alone, within the toothbrush 120 alone, or with a combinationof the audio output module 140 and toothbrush 120 together. In otherillustrative examples, toothbrush 120 and/or audio output module 140 maybe configured to output Internet radio transmissions. A wirelessconnection to an external computer, and/or internal computer, connectedto the Internet may allow for output of Internet radio through aspeaker, such as speaker 148 of the audio output module and/or speaker190 of the toothbrush 120. In still other illustrative examples, audiooutput module 140 and/or toothbrush 120 may be configured to outputweather broadcasts. In such an example, audio output module 140 and/ortoothbrush 120 may be configured to receive broadcasts of local,regional, or other weather reports and/or other weather relatedinformation. In addition, weather related video data also may bedisplayed to a user on display 192. Although not shown in the Figures,audio output module 140 may include a display for such a broadcast ofvideo data as well. Still further, audio output module 140 and/ortoothbrush 120 may be configured to download such weather broadcast datawhen not in use in order to conserve power and/or to have the datareadily available for a user. For example, such data may be downloadedwhen the user may be asleep. Then, upon awaking and using thetoothbrush, the weather broadcast data is readily available without theuser having to wait for the data to be uploaded to the toothbrush and/oraudio output module 140.

In another illustrative example, toothbrush 120 and/or audio outputmodule 140 may be configured to include a digital camera. As shown inFIG. 1, toothbrush 120 may include a camera 198. a number of differentcamera technologies may be utilized. Although not shown, audio outputmodule 140 also may include a camera. Such a camera may used toentertain a child when brushing his/her teeth to ensure that he/shebrushes for the recommended two minutes. Pictures and/or video capturedby the camera may be sent to a display, such as display 192, storedwithin a memory of the toothbrush 120 and/or audio output module 140,and/or may be transmitted wirelessly to an external storage device (notshown).

In yet another illustrative example, toothbrush 120 and/or audio outputmodule 140 may be configured to include a thermometer. Although notshown in the Figures, a thermometer may be housed within the body oftoothbrush 120 with a probe built within the head 124. As such, a parentand/or other individual may utilize the thermometer capability oftoothbrush 120 and/or audio output module 140 to measure a temperatureof a child or himself/herself. A temperature output may be given audiblythrough a speaker, such as speaker 148, and/or may be given visuallythrough a display, such as display 192. The temperature data may bestored within toothbrush 120 and/or audio output module 140 and/or maybe wirelessly transmitted to an external storage device (not shown).Such data may then be automatically sent to a doctor in case ofemergency or other need. Any of a number of different thermometer typesmay be utilized within toothbrush 100 and/or audio output module 140.

In still another illustrative example, toothbrush 120 and/or audiooutput module 140 may be configured to include lights. Although notshown in the Figures, any of a variety of lights may be utilized, suchas LEDs, within the body of and/or on the surface of toothbrush 120and/or audio output module 140. Such lights may be used to entertain achild to ensure that he brushes his teeth the recommended two minutesper brushing session. The lights may be configured to change in responseto music, to brushing a different section of the user's mouth, to atelephone call being received, to a new email message being received,and/or to any of a number of other uses.

In another illustrative example, toothbrush 120 and/or audio outputmodule 140 may be configured to include one or more play lists of groupsof audio signals to output in a specific order. Such play lists may begenerated within an external audio device, such as device 460, and thentransmitted to and stored within toothbrush 100 and/or audio outputmodule 140. A user can choose a particular play list by an input buttonon the toothbrush, such as button 128 or 150, and/or on the audio outputmodule, such as button 170. In at least one example, display 192 may beutilized to choose from a variety of different play lists. Similarly,display 192 may be utilized to choose from a variety of different audiosignals, such a song, to output through a speaker, such as speaker 148and/or 190.

In yet another illustrative example, toothbrush 120 and/or audio outputmodule 140 may be configured to receive, display, and/or provide accessto email for the user. Email messages may be outputted audibly through aspeaker, such as speaker 148 and/or visually through a display, such asdisplay 192. A user can choose a different message via an input button,such as button 128 and/or 150. Email messages may be wirelessly receivedfrom an external source, such as a computer of the user wirelesslycommunicating with the toothbrush 120 and/or audio output module 140. Instill other examples, a user may receive reminders, whether through anemail service or separately. Such reminders may be set by the userand/or another individual. For example, the user's spouse may leave amessage to remind the user to take out the trash before leaving or topick up the kids after school. In other examples, reminders may bereceived through an email service, e.g., to remind the user of anupcoming meeting or appointment.

Any number of types of external audio and/or video sources may beutilized including an MP3 player, a CD player, a cassette player, acomputer, a satellite audio/video receiver, or handheld digitalsatellite audio device and/or other signal sources.

In the aspects of the oral device described below, the recording and/orstoring audio signals, such as music, in a storage unit, for futureplayback is in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4.Furthermore, the described signal source may be any external source aslong as the signals are capable of being communicated and transferredfrom the source to the toothbrush assembly. Thus, the connection betweenthe storage unit and the signal source does not have to be a directphysical connection, but could be a wireless connection that utilizes,for example, Bluetooth® technology or the like. The various illustrativearrangements of toothbrushes described herein each creates anenvironment that makes tooth brushing enjoyable and more likely to bemaintained for at least the dentist-recommended period of time.

In one operation, the audio output module 140 may be removed from thebody 125 (FIG. 2) and connected to a signal source 460 by a directconnection with the input 144. In accordance with at least one example,removable audio output module 140 may include a threaded connection area172. In such an example, a user can rotate the bottom of the handle 126of the toothbrush 100 around the threaded connection area 172. Aconnection (not shown) may be located within the interior of the handle126 for connecting the input 144 of the removable audio output module140 to other internal components of the toothbrush 120.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 the input 144 generally comprises aheadphone jack that extends outwardly from the audio output module 140when in use, as shown in FIG. 4. The input 144 may be concealed withinthe body of the audio output module 140 when the audio output module 140is connected to toothbrush handle 126. Nevertheless, other inputconnections are contemplated, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB)connector/adapter, which may be covered during use of the toothbrush 120by a protecting cap (not shown), and which may function to bothcommunicate with a signal source 460 and a power source such as arecharging base (not shown). In this regard, the physical attachment ofthe input 144 to the body 125 need not result in signals beingtransferred from the audio output module 140 to the body 125. Theoutward extension of the input 144 allows the audio output module 140 tobe directly connected or attached to the source 460 at a convenientlocation. The record button and play button 170 function in a similarmanner as described above, and a timed playback feature could beincorporated as also described above.

Button 128 may be configured to operate as a single input button formultiple modes of operation of the toothbrush 120. Button 128 may beconfigured to operate in a number of different manners depending on thelength of time the button 128 is depressed, how many times the button128 is depressed, and/or the area of button 128 that is depressed.Button 128 may be configured to operate motorized elements of toothbrush120 and output music and/or other audio in accordance with one or moremodes of operation.

In accordance with one mode, the toothbrush 120 may be motorized formovement of one or more cleaning elements and music and/or other audiomay be outputted from a speaker at a high volume. In accordance withanother mode, the toothbrush 120 may be motorized for movement of one ormore cleaning elements and music and/or other audio may be outputtedfrom a speaker at a low volume. In accordance with still another mode,the toothbrush 120 may be motorized for movement of one or more cleaningelements and no music and/or other audio may be outputted from aspeaker. In accordance with yet another mode, the toothbrush 120 may notbe motorized for movement of one or more cleaning elements and musicand/or other audio may be outputted from a speaker.

Any of a number of different operations of the motorized cleaningelements of the toothbrush 120 and/or the music or other audio outputmay be configured for a mode of operation in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present disclosure described herein. For example, onemode of operation may be to output music or other audio from aparticular file, such as a particular play list of the user that isstored in the toothbrush 120. In another mode of operation, the speed ofthe motorized cleaning elements of the toothbrush 120 may change inaccordance with music tempo, volume, or other features. Any of a numberof different modes of operation of the moving elements of toothbrush 120and/or the music or other audio output from toothbrush 120 may beutilized in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure.

Any of a number of different modes of operation of the toothbrush 120 atcertain speeds and/or music or other audio output at certain volumes maybe utilized in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure described herein and the present disclosure is not limited tothe illustrative examples provided.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example of attachments for a removableaudio output module 140 described herein. As shown, removable audiooutput module 140 may be configured to be physically attached to and beremoved from one or more consumer products. Any of a number of differentproducts may be included and those shown in FIG. 5 are but a fewexamples. Removable audio output module 140 may be connected to dishsoap product 520 by screwing the bottom of the product 520 around thethreaded connection area 172 of the removable audio output module 140.As shown, removable audio output module 140 may be connected to a numberof different consumer products including a shampoo container product 521and a shave gel container product 522. Additional container products maybe connected as well including, but not limited to, hand soapcontainers, deodorant containers, conditioner containers, hair gelcontainers, and toothpaste containers. As such a user can interchangeuse of the removable audio output module with various tasks related topersonal grooming and/or household cleaning.

FIGS. 6-7B illustrate another toothbrush assembly in accordance with atleast one aspect of the present disclosure. The toothbrush assembly mayinclude a power toothbrush 600 having a body 610, a removable audiooutput unit 620 that may be inserted into an opening or cavity 630 ofbody 610, and a switch 640. The toothbrush 600 further may include ahead having cleaning elements. The cleaning elements may comprise anyknown cleaning elements used in toothbrushes or other oral careimplements, such as, but not limited to nylon bristles, tufts ofbristles, bristle walls, elastomeric elements, and the like. Thetoothbrush 600 may be a power toothbrush including a motor/power source(e.g., motor and battery combination, for example) that drives a shaftor rotor for a powered element, such as movable cleaning elements.

The removable audio output unit 620 may be any of a number of differentaudio output devices, such as an MP3 player. Removable audio output unit620 is configured to be a portion of the outside surface of the body 610or a portion of body 610.

Toothbrush 600 may further include an input 650 for connecting thetoothbrush 600 to the removable audio output unit 620. Input 650 may bea standard headphone jack. Toothbrush 600 may include a slideswitch 640to allow the user to lower the input 650 into a headphone port on theremovable audio unit 620 when the removable audio unit 620 is includedwithin the opening 630 of the toothbrush. In this example, whenslideswitch 640 is in an upward position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the input650 remains within the body 610 of toothbrush 600. As such, the input650 is less likely to be inadvertently broken off or damaged. Whenslideswitch 640 is in a downward position, as shown in FIG. 7B, theinput 650 slides down for connection to the headphone port of the audiounit 620 when the audio unit 620 is within the opening 630 of thetoothbrush 600. In such a configuration, a speaker (not shown) on thetoothbrush 600 may act as headphones to the audio unit 620 and outputaudio signals while the user is brushing her teeth. Such a toothbrush600 may be configured to operate with a plurality of audio units 620manufactured and/or sold by other companies. For example, an APPLE®Shuffle® unit may be the audio unit 620.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of components of an audiooutput module in accordance with at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure. One or more of the components of FIG. 8 may be includedwithin one or more printed circuit boards. An illustrative printedcircuit board may be 18 mm×50 mm with a 16 kHz sample rate.Nevertheless, other sizes may be used. As shown, the components of astorage unit may include an input plug 344 in the form of a ⅛ inchstereo plug coupled to an analog audio input component 395. Anintegrated speaker 348, such as an 8 Ohm NXT speaker, may be coupled toan amplifier 394, such as a 2 Watt audio amplifier. Input received fromthe input plug 344 through the analog audio input component 395 is sentto a compression CODEC 391. Signal(s) for output are sent to the speaker348 though the amplifier 394 from the compression CODEC 391. CompressionCODEC 391 is shown in communication with a microprocessor 392.

Microprocessor 392 is configured to perform all of the functions forprocessing signal(s), performing computer-readable instructions, andreading from and writing to a memory 393. As shown, microprocessor 392communicates with a memory 393, such as a 2 MB flash RAM. Audio signalsreceived via input plug 344 are stored in memory 393 and may beoutputted to speaker 348. Power is provided by one or more batteries 354to supply electrical power through a DC to DC converter 396 to one ormore components of the audio output module.

Recordation component 397 is shown coupled to microprocessor 392.Recordation component 397 may include instructions for themicroprocessor 392 to record the audio signal(s) to memory 393 throughinput plug 344. Brush component 398 is shown coupled to microprocessor392. Brush component 398 may include instructions for the microprocessor392 to operate a motor (not shown) for a powered element (not shown)such as movable cleaning elements. Instructions with respect torecordation component 397 and/or brush component 398 may be includedwithin memory 393 and/or some other memory, such as a ROM memory.

In one aspect, an oral care device, such as a toothbrush, a tonguecleaner, and/or a flossing device, may be configured to automaticallyrecord sound when the sound from a source device is detected. The soundfrom a source device triggers the oral care device to record the audiosignal, i.e., the sound.

In one aspect, an oral care device may include an oral care regionattached to a body with a portion of the body being configured forgripping by a user as described herein. This oral care device furthermay include a memory within the body of the device. The memory may beconfigured to store one or more audio signals.

A processor, which may be located within the body of the oral caredevice, may be configured to automatically record to the memory an audiosignal from an external audio source, such as an MP3 player, a CDplayer, a radio, a television, and a person's voice. The processor maybe configured to automatically record when the audio signal is detected.As such, the detection of the audio signal triggers the recording of thesignal without any user selection to actually record the audio signal.Finally, a speaker may be included in the oral care device to output thestored audio signal. Any of a number of components described herein maybe included in such an oral care device as well. Such components mayinclude, but are not limited to a play button on the body configured toactivate the processor to send the stored audio signal to the speaker,the oral care region including tooth cleaning elements, a power sourcewithin the body, the oral care region including at least one poweredelement, and various operational buttons to activate/deactivate poweredelements and/or the output of stored audio signals.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for transferring musicfrom a signal source to an audio output module in accordance with atleast one aspect of the present disclosure. The process starts at step901 where power to an external source, such as a music player, isactivated by a user. Such may be the case when a user turns on the musicplayer. At step 903, the user selects a particular signal on the sourceof interest. In one example, the user selects a particular 2-4 minutessong to be recorded. Proceeding to step 905, the user inserts the inputheadphone jack of a removable audio output module, such as input 144 ofremovable audio output module 140, into the headphone output socket ofthe source device, such as source device 460. At this point, althoughnot shown, the user may set the output level of the source device tomedium or low.

At step 907, the user presses the play button on the source device toplay the selected song of interest. The storage unit may be configuredto trigger recordation of the song when sound is detected.Alternatively, a record button, such as record button 150, associatedwith the toothbrush 120 may be depressed by the user to start therecordation process or a record button on the removable audio outputmodule 140 may be depressed. In any configuration, at step 909, theselected signal of interest is recorded in the memory of the storageunit, such as memory 393. While the storage unit is recording, aprevious file or song can be automatically overwritten. Upon completionof the recordation of the song and proceeding to step 911, the userattaches the removable audio output module to a toothbrush where theinput jack of the audio output module may interface with a socket in thetoothbrush. Alternatively, the audio output module may be physicallyscrewed onto the toothbrush. Such an illustrative configuration is shownin FIG. 1.

At step 913, the user presses the play button on the removable audiooutput module. In one such example shown in FIG. 1, the user may depressbutton 170 to activate the output of music. Finally, at step 915, theuser brushes her teeth with the toothbrush while watching and/orlistening to output from the removable audio output module. For example,if a song of interest has been recorded, the song is outputted through aspeaker, such as speaker 148. In one configuration, the time for thesong may correlate to the desired amount of time for the user to brushher teeth, such as two minutes.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide for different audio signals tobe outputted from a toothbrush, such as toothbrush 120, and/or an audiooutput module, such as audio output module 140, based upon operation ofthe toothbrush by a user. A default audio signal may be associated witha toothbrush for output. For example, when powered, a toothbrush mayoutput a hum noise, as if to mimic the sound produced by an electricpowered toothbrush. Then, the toothbrush may measure a load beingapplied to the head of the toothbrush, such as when the user is brushingher teeth. Upon measuring the load applied, the toothbrush may beconfigured to change an output signal in response. As such, thetoothbrush now may output the sound of a drill since the user isbrushing his/her teeth. Alternatively, the toothbrush may output thesound of cheers to congratulate the user on brushing her teeth.

Any of a number of different audio outputs may be assigned for any of anumber of different measurements made by the toothbrush and/or audiooutput module. In one illustrative embodiment, a toothbrush or audiooutput module may be configured to measure the orientation of thetoothbrush. For example, when the toothbrush is oriented in a manner tobrush the top teeth, a first audio signal may be outputted. Then, whenthe toothbrush is flipped down to brush the user's bottom teeth, asecond audio signal may be outputted. Still other configurations allowfor measurement of the toothbrush cleaning the right side of the user'smouth or the left side of the user's mouth. As such, different audiooutputs may be implemented for each measurement of an area. Therefore,the toothbrush in such a case is measuring the orientation of thetoothbrush as a measured parameter of use.

In another illustrative embodiment, a toothbrush may include a tonguecleaner on the side of the toothbrush head opposite the cleaningbristles. In such an embodiment, a toothbrush or audio output module maybe configured to measure the use of the tongue cleaner. When a user usesthe tongue cleaner, another audio signal may be associated with the use.As such, when the user transitions from brushing her teeth to cleaningher tongue, the audio signal outputted from the toothbrush and/or audiooutput module may change in response. Signal outputs may be assigned todifferent measured values. As such, the same audio signal may beoutputted in response to measuring use of the tongue cleaner portion andwhen the user is cleaning his/her top teeth, but a different audiosignal may outputted when the user is brushing her bottom teeth.

In yet another illustrative example, a toothbrush or audio output modulemay be configured to measure a load applied to the bristles of thetoothbrush. The audio signal may change between a first audio signalthat may be a default signal, when no load is being applied, e.g., theuser is not brushing her teeth, and a second audio signal when a load isbeing applied, e.g., the user is brushing her teeth. Still further, theaudio signal may change based on the amount of load that is beingapplied. As such, a different audio signal, such as a warning alarm typeof audio sound, may be outputted if the load being applied is consideredto be too large, e.g., the user is applying too much pressure/force onhis/her teeth with the toothbrush bristles. A sound may be configured tooutput an audio message to inform the user to apply more load or lessload as needed.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for changing a mode ofoperation of a toothbrush described herein. The process starts and atstep 1001, the user powers her toothbrush on for use. Proceeding to step1003, the toothbrush may be configured to output a default audio signal.For example, after being powered on, with no load applied, thetoothbrush may output a hum sound to mimic the sound of a traditionalelectric powered toothbrush or may output an audio message such as,“Hey! Let's get brushing!” In step 1005, the user initiates use of thetoothbrush in some manner. For example, the user decides to startbrushing her top teeth first. The process then moves to step 1007.

In step 1007, the toothbrush measures a parameter of use of thetoothbrush. As described above, for example, the toothbrush may measureuse of the tongue cleaner. In the example of FIG. 10, at step 1005, theuser initiates use of the toothbrush, e.g., to start cleaning her topteeth. As such, in this example, at step 1007, the toothbrush measuresthe orientation of the toothbrush or other parameter, such as load beingapplied. From step 1007, the process moves to step 1009 where adetermination is made as to whether a need exists to change theoutputted audio signal in response to the measured parameter. Forexample, the toothbrush may be configured to output a different signalbetween no load applied and a load being applied, or between no loadapplied and orientation of the toothbrush to clean a user's top teeth.If no need to change the output signal is determined in step 1009, theprocess returns to step 1007. If a need to change in step 1009 doesexist, the process moves to step 1011.

In step 1009, any of a number of different methods may be implemented tomake such a determination. For example, software and/or firmwarecomponents associated with the toothbrush may match the measuredparameter against a table of output signals based on one or moremeasured parameters. In response, instructions may be sent to aprocessor to change the audio signal output in response to the change inmeasured parameter.

Returning to step 1011, the toothbrush changes the outputted audiosignal to a different audio signal. Then, the process returns to step1007. Thereafter, if a user changes to a different use, such as brushingher bottom teeth, the toothbrush may measure the different use as aparameter in step 1007, may determine that a need exists to change theaudio signal in step 1009, and may change the audio signal to adifferent audio signal in response in step 1011.

In another aspect, a vibratory device 122 can be provided to vibrate thetoothbrush 120 or a portion thereof, such as the head 124 or a portionthereof. The vibration-producing device can be used to vibrate toothcleaning elements 127 and/or soft tissue cleaning elements.

A wide variety of vibratory devices can be used to produce vibrationsover a wide range of frequencies to meet the needs of a particularapplication. Various types of vibratory devices are commerciallyavailable, such as transducers. One example of a vibratory deviceprovides frequencies in the range of about 100 to 350 kHz. The vibrationfrequencies may be of different waveforms, including sinusoid, square,sawtooth and the like. Nevertheless, other values and waveforms arepossible. A vibratory device may be located in the head of thetoothbrush or in the toothbrush neck. The vibratory device is powered bybattery (and controlled by electronics on the circuit board or switchingsystem) and is activated so as to induce vibrations in the head of thetoothbrush and thereby enhance teeth-cleaning action imparted by thetooth cleaning elements. In alternate embodiments, a vibratory devicemay include a micro motor attached to a shaft, with the shaft coupled toan eccentric rotating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe toothbrush. In still other embodiments, a vibratory-producing devicemay include an eccentric that is driven by a micro motor in atranslatory manner.

A switch, such as a button 128, toggle switch, rotating dial, or thelike, can be provided for activating the vibratory device. A vibratorydevice often has a power source, such as a battery. Activating theswitch can cause the vibration-producing device to operate for auser-defined interval (e.g., during the time that a button is depressedor a switch is in an engaged position), or alternatively can activate atiming circuit that causes the vibratory device to operate for apredetermined interval. If a timing circuit is used, the associatedinterval either may be preset or may be adjustable, e.g., by auser-activated rotating dial.

Designations such as “first” and “second” are for illustrative purposesand can be interchanged. While the disclosure has been described withrespect to specific examples including presently preferred modes ofcarrying out the disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat there are numerous variations and permutations of the abovedescribed systems and techniques. Thus, the spirit and scope of thedisclosure should be construed broadly as set forth in the appendedclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An oral care implement comprising: an oralcare region attached to a body, a portion of the body being configuredfor gripping by a user; a power source; a vibratory device for impartingmovement to the oral care region; a memory configured to store aplurality of signals; at least one measurement component configured tomeasure an orientation of the oral care implement; and a processorconfigured to: (1) produce a first audible output based on a first ofthe plurality of signals upon the measurement component measuring theoral care region being in a first orientation; and (2) produce a secondaudible output based on a second of the plurality of signals upon themeasurement component measuring the oral care region being in a secondorientation, wherein when the oral care region transitions from thefirst orientation to the second orientation, the first audible output isautomatically changed to the second audible output during the productionof the first audible output.
 2. The oral care implement of claim 1further comprising a speaker configured to generate the first and secondaudible outputs.
 3. The oral care implement of claim 1 furthercomprising a universal serial bus (USB) connector operably coupled tocharge the power source.
 4. The oral care implement of claim 1 furthercomprising a transmitter and receiver to wirelessly receive and transmitdata to an external electronic device.
 5. The oral care implement ofclaim 4 wherein the electronic device is a computer.
 6. The oral careimplement of claim 4 further comprising a sensor for measuring aparameter of an oral cavity.
 7. The oral care implement of claim 6wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.
 8. The oral care implementof claim 6 wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.
 9. The oral careimplement of claim 4 wherein the external electronic device is a mobileelectronic device.
 10. The oral care implement of claim 4 wherein theoral care implement wirelessly receives and transmits data to theexternal electronic device using BLUETOOTH technology.
 11. The oral careimplement of claim 1 further comprising one or more lights, the lightsconfigured to change in response to brushing a different section of auser's mouth.
 12. A method for operating an oral care implementcomprising: measuring an orientation of the oral care implement;outputting a first audible output when the oral care implement ismeasured to be in a first orientation; and upon measuring thatorientation of the oral care implement has transitioned from the firstorientation to a second orientation, automatically changing, during theoutputting of the first audible output, from outputting the firstaudible output to outputting a second audible output.
 13. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the oral care implement is in the first orientationwhen tooth cleaning elements of the oral care implement are brushing auser's top teeth; and wherein the oral care implement is in the secondorientation when the tooth cleaning elements of the oral care implementare brushing the user's bottom teeth.
 14. An oral care implementcomprising: an oral care region attached to a body, a portion of thebody being configured for gripping by a user; a power source; avibratory device for imparting movement to the oral care region; amemory configured to store a plurality of signals; a display device; atleast one measurement component configured to measure an orientation ofthe oral care implement; and a processor configured to: (1) produce afirst audible output and display a first visual output on the displaydevice based on a first of the plurality of signals upon the measurementcomponent measuring the oral care region being in a first orientation;and (2) produce a second audible output and display a second visualoutput on the display device based on a second of the plurality ofsignals upon the measurement component measuring the oral care regionbeing in a second orientation, wherein when the oral care regiontransitions from the first orientation to the second orientation, thefirst audible output and the first visual output are automaticallychanged to the second audible output and the second visual output duringthe production of the first audible output and the display of the firstvisual output.
 15. The oral care implement of claim 14 furthercomprising a speaker configured to generate the first and second audibleoutputs.
 16. The oral care implement of claim 14 further comprising auniversal serial bus (USB) connector operably coupled to charge thepower source.
 17. The oral care implement of claim 14 further comprisinga transmitter and receiver to wirelessly receive and transmit data to anexternal electronic device.
 18. The oral care implement of claim 14further comprising one or more lights, the lights configured to changein response to brushing a different section of a user's mouth.